Awareness on three-dimensional printing of orthodontic appliances among dental students

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness regarding the use of three-dimensional (3D)-printed appliances used in orthodontics among students pursuing dentistry. The distribution of the questionnaire was done using an online Google Forms link to about 100 dental students. The questionnaire compromised questions that were designed for assessing the various findings and knowledge of update, and finally, questions related to facts on various 3D-printing appliances. Among the total population, 58% of the population are aware of 3D printing used for various dental applications, whereas 42% of the population are not aware of the same. Among the total population, 58% of the population are aware of 3D printing used in dentistry, whereas 42% of the population are not aware of 3D printing used in dentistry. Inside the limits of the review, it very well may be inferred that 3D-printed machines have a rising use in the majority of the dental fields and understudies chasing after dentistry know about it. The knowledge about the basic and fundamental working and the usage of such appliances is developing among undergraduate students. Further continuing education programs can be provided to improve the same.

Keywords: Awareness; knowledge; orthodontic appliances; practice; three-dimensional printing.

Figure 1

The bar graph represents the association of UG and PG on awareness of 3D printing. The X-axis represents the number of responses to the study and the Y-axis represents the frequency of responses in relation to the 38% responded yes and 12% – responded to no among UG, 45% responded yes, and 5% responded to no among PG. Association and awareness on 3D printing were done using the Chi-square test, P = 0.062, (P = 0.05) was found to be statistically significant. CI: Confidence interval, 3D: Three-dimensional

Figure 2

The bar graph represents the association of awareness on 3D-printed X-axis represents the number of responses of the study and the Y-axis represents the frequency of responses in relation to the 6% of UG students think that 3D-printed retainers are not in quick and efficient replacement for the current retainer therapy, 44% UG students think that 3D-printed retainers are a quick and efficient replacement for the current retainer therapy, and PG students think that 3D-printed retainers are not a quick and efficient replacement for the current retainer therapy, 43% PG students think that 3D-printed retainers are quick and efficient replacement for the current retainer therapy, Pearson Chi-square value is (0.064) P = 0.867, (P < 0.05) was found to be statistically not significant. CI: Confidence interval, 3D: Three-dimensional